Vegetarian Recipe Blog

Konkani Recipes

Konkani cuisine uses lot of Horse Gram (called as Kulith) in its cooking. There are so many recipes like ghashi, koddel, idli, the regular saar/upkariand this Dosa which uses Horsegram. People who are not familiar with this bean are surprisedwhen I mention the different recipes that can be cooked with it especially the Idli and Dosa part.

Horse gram is nutritious and is an excellent source of iron and molybdenum. It is considered helpful for people with iron deficiencies, weight loss and maintaining body temperature. It is also recommended for people who have knee pain problems.

There is no much difference in taste with the addition of Horse Gram in this batter. However if you are not used to eating this or having for the first time, then you may feel a slight after taste different than that of regular old dosa. But this can be overcome by serving this along with good chutney or a side dish.

Kashay (In Konkani) is a hot milk beverage that is common in many Konkani households. It is a spiced drink that is not only potent but a nutritional powerhouse as well. This is preferred as beverage choice by many people instead of the regular tea or coffee.

Growing up I remember many elderly people having Kashay in the evening as it would aid in digestion and also have a cooling effect on the body. This was a common drink in my house as well. Many times while making this drink my mom used to add lemon grass (called Nirvale tan in Konkani) while making this drink. That adds even more flavor and aroma to this drink.

The first step while making the Kashay involves preparing the powder called as Kashay Pitto (Konkani). This involves dry roasting various spices including cumin, coriander, fennel and fenugreek. The roasted spices are then powdered and stored in air tight container. The powdered so prepared can be used for making the warm milk as and when desired. The kashaya powder by itself is very aromatic.

Few weeks ago, my MIL reminded of this nutritional drink and asked me to give it a try. I looked around and found the recipe here and here. Ever since I tried it, we have been hooked on to this drink. Since in the mornings DH and I do not consume coffee or tea this drink works wonders for us. Also because of the cold wintery mornings, this drink provides a warm nourishing boost.

(Kashay powder/pitto)

Coriander seeds: Coriander is a very good source of dietary fiber and a good source of iron, magnesium and manganese. It is supposed to reduce the level of total and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), while actually increasing levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). (source)

Cumin seeds: Cumin seeds may also have anti-carcinogenic properties. Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system. They are a very good source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. (source)

Fennel Seeds: As fennel seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, consuming them has a powerful effect on stomach disorders and irritable bowels. Other than that, the seeds are used to normalize the functioning of the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. Moreover, they are useful in comforting chest pain, lowering hypertension, easing water retention, curing heartburn, bronchial asthma and controlling cardiac problems. (source).

For people trying for first time, I suggest trying this in smaller quantities and adjust levels according to taste. All the spices that go into the drink promote good health in one way or the other and I feel it is totally worth it.

Konkani cuisine uses lot of Horse Gram(called as Kulith) in its cooking; there is the ghashi, koddel, chutney, dosa and this saar/upkari. This is a simple dry curry and rasam, delicious and nutritious as well. Horse gram is first soaked, cooked and then finally seasoned. The cooked water is used to make the rasam by flavoring with seasoning of garlic. Since the cooked water is used, there is no wastage or loss of nutrients of any sort.

Horse gram is an excellent source of iron and molybdenum.It is considered helpful for people with iron deficiencies, weight loss and maintaining body temperature. It is also recommended for people who have knee pain problems.